The answer to that question is anywhere and everywhere. You can take inspiration from everything.

You know when you have an argument with someone and once it’s over, you think of all great things you could have said. In your head you are creating a story. That argument in your head could turn into anything you want it to… even murder!

Don’t look at me like that! Everyone’s had thoughts like that. Haven’t they?

Have you ever been walking home in the dark? Ever get the feeling that there’s someone behind you, but every time you look behind, there’s no one there? When you’re scared, your mind automatically goes into protection mode and you’ll start thinking about escape routes and how to get away if someone really is there. That could be an opening to an action packed thriller.

It’s not just scenario’s like this that can inspire you though. A few words spoken can start the wheels of your brain turning, as can a simple image. You just have to ask yourself the questions: What does it mean? Where is it? Why am I here? Am I with anyone? How do I feel?Answer those questions and you’re ready to begin!

I have personally taken inspiration from dreams that I’ve had – trust me when I say you wouldn’t want my dreams – and tragic events that have happened in the world.

You simply have to imagine yourself in someone else’s shoes. Think about how their life is going to change after this event. You don’t have to keep it completely realistic, it’s fiction after all. Has this tragic event altered reality in some way? How many people have been affected?

A story line can come from absolutely anything. You just have to ask yourself the right questions to turn it into something incredible. Once you have your characters, they’ll tell you the story, from then on, you just have to keep up with them!

Here’s a little exercise to end this blog. Here’s a made up book title: The Secret of Darling Forest.

Now, tell me what this book is about. You can leave a comment below! I look forward to seeing what you come up with!

The Secret of Darling Forest is about a window to an alternate reality. There is a magical book that looks like just an old copy of Lady and The Tramp, but if you know how to bend page three into page four just right, you are transported into a fairytale forest. All fairytale rules apply there!